Many children share a family member with a larger community, such as a service organization, or as in Annie's case, an entire town. When Annie's grandmother is elected mayor, Annie enjoys it at first. She likes getting her picture in the newspaper and being the first to know about a new park. But she also misses the time she used to spend with Grandma, who is very busy now, and Annie resents the changes in their lives. Then one night when a fire breaks out and Annie finds herself helping out, she starts to see things differently as she discovers her own community spirit and the pride and pleasure that come from giving of one's self.

Marge Pellegrino's writing for children of all ages includes the books Too Nice, My Grandma's the Mayor and I Don't Have an Uncle Phil Anymore from Magination Press. With more than 100 published articles in regional and national magazines and in anthologies including Cup of Comfort for Women, she facilitates workshops for school, agency and community organizations, and is on the artist roster of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Visit her at www.margepellegrino.com.

John Lund is the illustrator of My Grandma's the Mayor. He lives in West Vancouver, Canada with his son.